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Richter, Bruno

Date of birth:
November 23rd, 1914 (Bechcice-Lodz/Poland, Russian Empire)
Date of death:
June 6th, 1993 (Berlin/Brandenburg, Germany)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rittmeister
Unit:
Führer, Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 24, 24. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
November 26th, 1944
Awarded for distinguishing himself around Lapseni-Duerini, in the context of the retreat of the 24. Infanterie-Division from its positions west of Vitebsk to Riga. In this time the Division played a key part in covering the right wing of Heeresgruppe Nord near Obol-Polozk.
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rittmeister
Unit:
Kommandeur, Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 24, 24. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
April 8th, 1945
Ritterkreuz mit Eichenlaub
On the 17.02.1945 Füsilier-Bataillon 24 was in position on the right wing of the 24. Infanterie-Division (specifically south of Gubeni along the Frauenburg—Autz road) when it came under attack by the bulk of 2 Soviet divisions. They captured Cenkuri and Rozeni, with only the Bataillon command post remaining in the hands of the Bataillon after bitter close combat. Richter, recognizing the importance of Rozeni, was able to retake it with only a handful of troops on the night of the 18/19.02.1945.

Soon afterwards, on the 20.03.1945, the Soviet launched a further attack with two divisions against the sector Nagaß—Dumpji—Keki—Southern swamp near Kleinas, which was held by Richter’s Bataillon and the Pionier-Bataillon 24. Initially Richter and his men were able to repel the Soviets and destroy 4 tanks with Panzerfausts. But at the same time the Red Army troops broke through the southern swamps SE of Kleinas and began attacking the Bataillon command post from the north and west. Richter was nonetheless able to hold it with what few troops were available for 7 hours. After repeated requests he also managed to strike towards the Bataillon command post of the Pionier-Bataillon (NW of Försterei Verotaji) in close combat. By this latter move he prevented the encirclement of the command post as well as the yielding of the road towards the train station at Blidine to the enemy.

Richter’s actions here also enabled the building of a new defense line towards the NW, thus checking the Soviet intent to thrust through the Korps’ boundary towards the north. Richter would be awarded the Oakleaves in recognition of his contributions to the defense during this time.

825th Award.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
April 20th, 1942
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 25th, 1939
Eisernes Kreuz 2. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Rittmeister
Unit:
Divisions-Füsilier-Bataillon 24, 24. Infanterie-Division, Heer
Awarded on:
March 25th, 1945
Ehrenblattspange des Heeres und Waffen-SS

Sources

Photo